Challenge Summary
TopCoder has an extensive catalog of components, which is an essential part of the TopCoder methodology and project success for our clients. Now we are taking the next big leap by providing this catalog directly to our clients through our TopCoder Direct Flex application.
For this contest, you will be designing the catalog widget. The user will be searching and browsing, seeing a list of components and drilling down into details.
We are looking for something highly interactive and fun to use. Think of the iPhone - clean, open organization of information, smooth transitions and fun interactions.
Please remember to submit UNIQUE designs - do not simply make minor modifications and resubmit.
As an added incentive, the client will pay an extra $50 to our five (5) favorite designs at the Mid-Point Review. To qualify, you must submit your design by the Friday March 13th at 3pm EDT. See below for more details.
Overall Design Concept The component catalog is the most important part of TopCoder and has been built by our community. We need to create an interface that will make the users WANT to search through components. We need to highlight how exciting and powerful these components are. To see the current component catalog and learn more about it, visit http://software.topcoder.com/catalog/ Goals In the TopCoder Direct Flex Application, we would like to make the entire Component Catalog more of a unique shopping experience - where components may be browsed, showcased, promoted and then downloaded. Your widget design should be visually exciting, easy to use and a very strong user experience. Widget Functionality The user needs to be able to do the following in the catalog widget: - Search by component name - View search results - Filter by category - Review component details - Download the component Design Requirements For this contest, you MUST meet the following requirements: - Place your design in the provided widget template (Widget_Template.jpg). - You may adjust the height of the widget, but the width must not change - You must use a white or a white to very light grey gradient background. Design Considerations We want this widget to be open, clean and highly interactive. Think about how the iPhone works when browsing through information, searching, viewing details and performing an action. - There should be smooth transitions and an interface that is very easy and enjoyable to use. Required Pages The following four (4) pages are required for your submission to pass screening. You are free to create additional pages if you feel that it will better explain the user flow and interactions. 1. Landing Page - Shows the Most Downloaded and Recently Completed components as well as component search and category filter 2. Search Page - Search by component name and filter by category. 3. Search Results - Shows a list of components. You must use category name, component name and version in your search results. You are free to add more data from the detail page list below (#4) if you design warrants it. 4. Component Detail Page - Displays the various details of a component (below) as well as a link/button to download the component. These details are: - Category Name - Component Name - Version - Short Description - Release Date - Category List - Informational URL - Download URL - Number of Downloads To see the actual data for each detail item listed above, use this link: http://www.topcoder.com/tc?module=BasicData&c=dd_component_catalog&dsid=28 Mid-Contest Feedback For every submission that is received by Friday, March 13th at 3pm EDT, we will provide feedback on your designs in the forums. Your design itself will NOT be viewable by the other competitors. They will only be able to see the feedback you receive. As an added incentive, the client will pay an extra $50 to their five (5) favorite designs at the mid-point. To qualify, you must submit your design by the date and times listed above and include all four (4) of the required pages. Please DO NOT delete your mid-point submissions. This will make it harder to retrieve your submissions and pay the incentive prize. This is a great opportunity to find out how you are doing and give you a better chance to be successful in this contest. Preview Image Please provide a screenshot of the landing page for this widget as the preview image. Do not skew, alter, modify or add drop shadows or other filters for dramatic effect.
Overall Design Concept The component catalog is the most important part of TopCoder and has been built by our community. We need to create an interface that will make the users WANT to search through components. We need to highlight how exciting and powerful these components are. To see the current component catalog and learn more about it, visit http://software.topcoder.com/catalog/ Goals In the TopCoder Direct Flex Application, we would like to make the entire Component Catalog more of a unique shopping experience - where components may be browsed, showcased, promoted and then downloaded. Your widget design should be visually exciting, easy to use and a very strong user experience. Widget Functionality The user needs to be able to do the following in the catalog widget: - Search by component name - View search results - Filter by category - Review component details - Download the component Design Requirements For this contest, you MUST meet the following requirements: - Place your design in the provided widget template (Widget_Template.jpg). - You may adjust the height of the widget, but the width must not change - You must use a white or a white to very light grey gradient background. Design Considerations We want this widget to be open, clean and highly interactive. Think about how the iPhone works when browsing through information, searching, viewing details and performing an action. - There should be smooth transitions and an interface that is very easy and enjoyable to use. Required Pages The following four (4) pages are required for your submission to pass screening. You are free to create additional pages if you feel that it will better explain the user flow and interactions. 1. Landing Page - Shows the Most Downloaded and Recently Completed components as well as component search and category filter 2. Search Page - Search by component name and filter by category. 3. Search Results - Shows a list of components. You must use category name, component name and version in your search results. You are free to add more data from the detail page list below (#4) if you design warrants it. 4. Component Detail Page - Displays the various details of a component (below) as well as a link/button to download the component. These details are: - Category Name - Component Name - Version - Short Description - Release Date - Category List - Informational URL - Download URL - Number of Downloads To see the actual data for each detail item listed above, use this link: http://www.topcoder.com/tc?module=BasicData&c=dd_component_catalog&dsid=28 Mid-Contest Feedback For every submission that is received by Friday, March 13th at 3pm EDT, we will provide feedback on your designs in the forums. Your design itself will NOT be viewable by the other competitors. They will only be able to see the feedback you receive. As an added incentive, the client will pay an extra $50 to their five (5) favorite designs at the mid-point. To qualify, you must submit your design by the date and times listed above and include all four (4) of the required pages. Please DO NOT delete your mid-point submissions. This will make it harder to retrieve your submissions and pay the incentive prize. This is a great opportunity to find out how you are doing and give you a better chance to be successful in this contest. Preview Image Please provide a screenshot of the landing page for this widget as the preview image. Do not skew, alter, modify or add drop shadows or other filters for dramatic effect.
Please read the challenge specification carefully and watch the forums for any questions or feedback concerning this challenge. It is important that you monitor any updates provided by the client or Studio Admins in the forums. Please post any questions you might have for the client in the forums.